Gov. Kasich to launch higher education funding effort

COLUMBUS — Ohio. Gov. John Kasich wants the state’s public colleges and universities to work together to identify how best to divide higher education dollars in the next state budget.

Kasich has set a Tuesday news conference alongside higher education officials to kick off the process. His two-year budget comes out early in 2013.

Earlier this year, the Republican governor enlisted Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee to lead an effort for schools to work together on their construction budgets. His spokesman says the governor would like to see similar coordination on operating expenses.

Kasich has said a new funding system should reward institutions for how many students complete courses or graduate, not simply how many are enrolled.